. >> they provide a safer environment for our crew, with the latest in aviation technology. they give our flight paramedics more room and more equipment to care for the injured. they replace a fleet that was 20 years old that was spending too much time needing repairs and not enough time with the mission. >> the september 2008 fatal crash of trooper 2 in zero visibility conditions helped ebbing pe diet the fleet up grade. features on the upgrade include terrain awareness warning systems, night vision compatibility. they give the state the option of achieving accreditation and using two pilots. but it arrives under a cloud of controversy. state police made it known from the start the $12.6 millionaire craft is the one they wanted. a rival helicopter company filed a formal protest, alleging the state schemed the specifications in favor of augusta westland, guaranteeing that the model was selected. the aw 139 has frequently been cited with directives. over the summer the european aviation safety issued one imposing a new life limit ton tail rotor blades. the faa adooptd similar